This is one of the African tits (Melaniparus), a White-winged black tit. It is found mainly in central and eastern Africa, from Angola in the west to Ethiopia in the east. It is a relatively large tit (15-16 cm) with shiny black plumage and a prominent white patch on the wings. The eyes are dark, which distinguishes it from the similar White-shouldered black tit (Melaniparus guineensis) which has yellow or white eyes. The call is described as a harsh and repeated "chee-chi-chi-chi-chi", while the song is more musical with whistling tones. It thrives best in moister types of savanna, forest edges and highland areas up to about 2,750 meters altitude. It is often seen in pairs or small groups and can sometimes be part of mixed species flocks when foraging. It feeds mainly on small invertebrates, larvae, seeds and some fruit. It breeds in cavities in trees or buildings where it builds a nest of grasses and lichens.